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The castle-like
dzongs with their gently tapering walls, classic lines, large courtyards and
beautiful galleries, are among the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture.
Containing large monasteries, these impressive buildings, set in commanding
positions on hilltops or at the confluence of rivers, are also the
administrative centers of their regions. Small fortresses called
Ta dzongs (literally meaning watchtowers) overlook the
main buildings and were built for defense. The most common architectural
sight in Bhutan, however, is not these majestic buildings, but chortens or
stupas, which are small shrines built originally to house sacred relics.
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